Best Camping near Lewis and Clark National Forest

Join the fun near Lewis and Clark National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Lewis and Clark National Forest, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Lewis and Clark National Forest, MT (85)

    Camper-submitted photo from Great Falls KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Falls KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Falls KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Falls KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Falls KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Falls KOA

    1. Great Falls KOA

    17 Reviews
    81 Photos
    46 Saves
    Malmstrom AFB, Montana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground

    2. Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground

    15 Reviews
    22 Photos
    32 Saves
    Wolf Creek, Montana

    Overview

    Holter Lake Campground is situated on the picturesque Holter Lake in west central Montana. The site is located approximately 45 miles north of Helena, Montana, along the Missouri River. The area offers stunning views of the Sleeping Giant Wilderness Study Area. Gates of the Mountains Historic Site is in close proximity of the campground, which is accessible via a watercraft. The area is overflowing with outdoor adventure opportunities. Whether you're into fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking, boating, water skiing, or all of the above, all of these activities are in close proximity to Holter Lake Campground. There is surely an activity for everyone!__

    Recreation

    Holter Lake Campground offers excellent recreational opportunities. Activities in the area include camping, boating (motorized and non-motorized), fishing, water skiing, hiking, scenic/wildlife photography, wildlife viewing, and bird watching. There are trails within the general vicinity, as well as multiple fishing access sites and hunting access points. The recreation opportunities in the area are truly boundless.

    Facilities

    Holter Lake Campground offers excellent recreational opportunities. Activities in the area include camping, boating (motorized and non-motorized), fishing, water skiing, hiking, scenic/wildlife photography, wildlife viewing, and bird watching. There are trails within the general vicinity, as well as multiple fishing access sites and hunting access points. The recreation opportunities in the area are truly boundless.

    Natural Features

    Every campsite has a view of the lake and mountains. The campground and day-use area has poplar and green ash trees throughout the campground, which provide shade during the height of the summer. The site is situated in a shrub-steppe landscape, mostly comprised of sage brush and bunch grasses. The campground is surrounded by sparsely wooded hills.

    Nearby Attractions

    Holter Lake Campground is located in a prime location to get out and recreate outdoors. There is access to public lands, where multiple recreation opportunities and experiences are available. The campground is adjacent to the Missouri River, which was also the historical travel corridor for The Lewis and Clark Trail. Holter Lake Campground is situated between Helena and Great Falls.__ In Helena, there are great restaurants, museums, the capitol building, old mining settlements, Last Chance Gulch, Reeder's Alley, and a vibrant downtown area. In or near Great Falls, there is the First People's Buffalo Jump and Interpretive Center, Charlie Russell museum, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Giant Springs Fish Hatchery and State Park, and Tower Rock State Park. The Continental Divide Trail is nearby.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Reservation Cancellations & Changes ___ Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below). Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window ___ Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. The recreation.gov cancellation policy can be found here: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Logging Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Logging Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Logging Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Logging Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Logging Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Logging Creek

    3. Logging Creek

    8 Reviews
    10 Photos
    66 Saves
    Monarch, Montana

    4500-foot elevation. 25 campsites along Logging Creek, which is more scenic than its name implies. Fishing for brook and rainbow trout in the creek. Trailhead for the Deep Creek National Recreation Trail, which explores the nearby mountains with a network of loop trails, about 5 miles south of the campground. All 28 sites within the campground are accessible. Bears may frequent the area; keep all food out of sight in approved containers and remove all food from area after eating. Mandatory food storage is required.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Pelican Point Fishing Access Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Pelican Point Fishing Access Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Pelican Point Fishing Access Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Pelican Point Fishing Access Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Pelican Point Fishing Access Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Pelican Point Fishing Access Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Sandy State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Sandy State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Sandy State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Sandy State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Sandy State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Sandy State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Court Sheriff Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Court Sheriff Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Court Sheriff Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Court Sheriff Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Court Sheriff Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Court Sheriff Campground

    6. Court Sheriff Campground

    14 Reviews
    34 Photos
    38 Saves
    Helena, Montana

    Overview

    Court Sheriff Campground is located at the very north end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir, 30 miles east of Helena, Montana, along Montana Highway 284. Court Sheriff Campground offers year-round access to a wide range of recreational opportunities. Court Sheriff Campground is named for the Sheriff family. In 1865 Court Sheriff moved into the region from the state of Illinois to Montana to work the mines. Court Sheriff first worked the mines in Diamond City, then hired on as a carpenter to help build a wooden flume for the Magpie-Gave Hill ditch. In 1875 he opened a general mercantile to serve the miners east of the Missouri River at Cavetown. He moved to nearby Canyon Ferry in 1880, and by 1883 had established a general store and later added a livery stable and two-and-a-half-story hotel.

    Recreation

    Canyon Ferry Reservoir offers a wide range of year-round recreational opportunities. Water related activities include everything from swimming and fishing to sailing and motor-boating. Canoeists and kayakers explore the many quiet backwater bays. Jet skiers, windsurfers and water skiers skim the summer waves, while winter draws ice fishermen, ice boaters and ice skaters.

    Natural Features

    Court Sheriff Campground sits at the north end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir between the Big Belt and Elkhorns mountain ranges.

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (406) 475-3920.

    Nearby Attractions

    Court Sheriff Campground on Canyon Ferry Reservoir is located halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park along with the capital city of Helena, Montana. For up to date events visit, www.helenamt.com.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $15 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hellgate Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hellgate Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hellgate Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hellgate Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hellgate Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hellgate Campground

    7. Hellgate Campground

    13 Reviews
    57 Photos
    22 Saves
    Helena, Montana

    Overview

    Hellgate Campground is located 30 miles east of Helena, Montana, along Montana Highway 284. In July of 1805 the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled through the Canyon Ferry area exploring and mapping the Missouri River. When Lewis visited the area he described it as a beautiful and extensive plain country of about 10 to 12 miles wide which extended upwards further than an eye could see. In the 1850s the gold rush hit the Canyon Ferry area attracting miners from all over the United States in the hopes of striking it rich.

    Recreation

    Canyon Ferry Reservoir offers a wide range of year-round recreational opportunities. Water related activities include everything from swimming and fishing to sailing and motor-boating. Canoeists and kayakers explore the many quiet backwater bays. Jet skiers, windsurfers and water skiers skim the summer waves, while winter draws ice fishermen and ice skaters.

    Natural Features

    Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Area sits along the banks of Canyon Ferry Reservoir in an open valley between the Big Belt and Elkhorns mountain ranges. Along the bank of the reservoir there is a narrow riparian canopy that provides partial shade.

    Nearby Attractions

    Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Area is located halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. The city of Helena, Montana, the state capital, is 25 miles away and the city of Townsend, Montana, is 21 miles away. For up to date events visit, click here

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (406) 475-3920.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $130 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Campground

    8. Aspen Campground

    8 Reviews
    31 Photos
    37 Saves
    Neihart, Montana

    6 campsites in the canyon carved by Belt Creek in the Little Belt Mountains. Fishing for brook trout in the creek. The Belt Creek Information Center is just to the north of the campground, and trails to the east of the visitor center connect to an extensive trail system.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Vigilante Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Vigilante Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Vigilante Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Vigilante Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Vigilante Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Vigilante Campground

    9. Vigilante Campground

    6 Reviews
    11 Photos
    51 Saves
    Helena National Forest, Montana

    Vigilante Campground is located approximately 24 miles northeast of Helena in the Big Belt Mountains. To access the campground travel northeast of Helena on Highway #280, across the Missouri River to the small community of York. At York continue driving straight on Road #4 to the campground. This 7 acre campground provides access to the Hanging Valley National Recreation Trail and the scenic Trout Creek Canyon Trail.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Craig FAS
    Camper-submitted photo from Craig FAS
    Camper-submitted photo from Craig FAS
    Camper-submitted photo from Craig FAS
    Camper-submitted photo from Craig FAS
    Camper-submitted photo from Craig FAS

    10. Craig FAS

    5 Reviews
    15 Photos
    14 Saves
    Wolf Creek, Montana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
Showing results 1-10 of 85 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Lewis and Clark National Forest

Recent Reviews in Lewis and Clark National Forest

293 Reviews of 85 Lewis and Clark National Forest Campgrounds


  • David T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose Creek Campground
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Moose Creek Campground

    Quiet and Private

    There was no sign for this campsite on the highway. I just pulled off the highway where it said access to National Forest, and it appeared fairly close to the highway. There were only half a dozen sites or so, and no amenities. And of course, no cost. I think the actual Moose Creek Campground is farther up the road and away from the highway. But this was perfect for someone who is caravaning and needed a quick place to stop. It's right on the creek and it was delightful. There was one other camper in there the evening I was there.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Falls KOA
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Great Falls KOA

    Wooded Area and Open Area and Fun

    KOA 8/24: The area we stayed in is for medium sized rigs or smaller. It was wooded and very nice for a KOA. The larger spaces are in a newer and less shady portion of the campground.
    FUN POOL PARK, PLAYGROUND, PETTING ZOO, SHORT TRAIL. GREAT ICE CREAM

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 Security: No locked gate Usage during visit: pretty full on weekends Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: close Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: yes Campground Noise: Fairly quiet Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: yes Sewer Hookup: yes Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: very nice Showers: yes / nice Pull Throughs: most all Cell Service (AT&T): fine Recent Weather: very hot Insects: none Host: staff Rig Size: large

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Helena North KOA
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Helena North KOA

    Typical KOA but not ADA or electric car friendly

    This is a typical KOA. First the good: Friendly helpful staff until their gone at closing time. Little mini store with a few essentials. Clean bathrooms and showers and clean laundry room with several washers/dryers.$2.00 per load to wash. Can't remember how much to dry. Very cool pinball machine that costs 25 cents per game. Fun fun fun! Another bathroom/shower in middle of park but I never looked inside that one. 65 sites that most have full hook-up and pull-through. A few cool tent sites with gas BBQs. Some cool looking cabins but I never looked inside one. I'm here on 8/24/2024 and RV park is sold out except 3 pull-through sites. All tent sites were full. I don't know about the cabins. Cool playground for kids and large mostly gravel dog run. Edit added: AT&T has 5G and three bars. KOA has wifi but slow slow slow I got 3MPS so instead of KOA wifi I used my iPhone Personal Hotspot that worked great. THE BAD(and reason for only 3 stars): All gravel roads and sites throughout the park. Very close together. Some sites have a very narrow strip of grass. Some of the picknick tables need to be re-painted. Unfortunately while eating breakfast you could be 2 feet away from the next RV dumping their sewer. P.U. The luxury sites don't have that problem. They are at the end of each row and only have a neighbor on the drivers side. I think well worth the extra 17 bucks. Not ADA friendly. Very hard for someone with a walker to get around because of gravel roads/sites. Someone with a wheel chair near impossible. Has a nice handicap shower in main office building. Only problem is that once I take my walker in with me it's very tight and no room to move around. Not EV car friendly. There is a$250 fine and eviction if you plug in your car. The person at the front desk told me the$250 fine and eviction is because EVs overload the outdated system and cause a fire. This KOA is an older one and was wired before EVs. Each individual site has its own 30 amp and 50 amp circuit breaker. Some trees but few and far between. No pool or hot tub. Final thoughts: Make reservations well in advance if you can. This KOA is the best game in town and is mostly sold out in summer. I think(sorry I don't know for sure) there is only one other RV park in town and from what I can tell, it is a much older one. I would proceed with caution before I booked it. Good traveling. See you on the road.

  • nThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground
    Sep. 9, 2024

    Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground

    Basic RV and tent camping with great access to the lake

    We weren’t able to reserve a site but plenty of ff first come sites. Most sites are large that will accommodate a camper and boat trailer. All are back in.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Harrison RV Park
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Fort Harrison RV Park

    The Juice is not Worth the Squeeze

    Our goal is to leave an unbiased review for future campers. First, don’t check in until 2:00 PM. The billeting office is closed for lunch and doesn’t get back until 2:00. As you don’t have a site number and you’ll need a key for the utilities, it will not do you any good to arrive early. Using our RV GPS, we headed off I-90 onto US-12 into Helena. At West Helena we turned on Williams St., which brought us to the VA Medical Center, then less than a 1/4 mile further to the South Gate. The gate is locked. When we called 406-324-3970(main gate) prior to our arrival, we were told to park in front of the gate and call the number on the post to have security come and let us in. The private security guard checked our IDs, reservation confirmation email, and then called in our names and truck license plate number. We were then told to head to the three story building where the billeting office is located and park in front of the building near the stepped entrance. This is not a large base/post, so don’t worry about getting lost. A lot of reviews talked about going through the North Gate, but as of this writing, they are using the South Gate for arrivals and departures. The main gate barriers are too narrow for a large RV. The billeting office is on the first floor straight a few yards and to the right after you enter the building and also where the free laundry is located. The FamCamp campground (CG) was simple to find, and we went to pull through FHU site 7 with 50/30/20 AMP. Not all the sites in this small CG have 50 AMP. The pull through was easy enough to get into, but its narrow with 9” high cement curbs, which makes getting your sewer up and over a bit of a challenge. They placed a brick thing at each site to help level your sewer hose. Also, depending on how your stairs deploy, dealing with the curb can be a challenge. In our opinion, the cement curbs are a horrible design. This site’s gravel pad was not level, so we had to use our leveler blocks. Water pressure was good at about 50 psi. There’s no CG Wifi, but we had our Starlink, plus we got a 4 bar Verizon signal. There are 12 sites here with row 1-7 being FHUs with 50/30/20 AMP and the back row 8-12 are 30/20 AMP. The sites are close to each other. We had a large class A in the adjacent site and its slideout came to our large cement picnic table. There’s a small restroom building but no showers. There are 6 RV or Tent sites where you could dry camp. There’s no obvious water spigot, but there are grass watering spigots. We saw reviews about a camp host, but we did not notice one. We departed at 10:50 AM and billeting called wondering if we had departed. If you don't turn in your key by 11:00 AM, you are charged an extra day. We were not unsatisfied with our stay, especially the good service and free laundry. But for a three day stay, due to their check in/out procedures, and site challenges, we’ll pass on this CG in the future.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Helena North KOA
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Helena North KOA

    Typical KOA, all gravel, not ADA or electric car friendly

    This is a typical KOA.  First the good:

    Friendly helpful staff until their gone at closing time.  Little mini store with a few essentials.  

    Clean bathrooms and showers and clean laundry room with several washers/dryers.  $2.00 per load to wash.  Can't remember how much to dry.  Very cool pinball machine that costs 25 cents per game.  Fun fun fun!  Another bathroom/shower in middle of park but I never looked inside that one.

    65 sites that most have full hook-up and pull-through.  A few cool tent sites with gas BBQs.  Some cool looking cabins but I never looked inside one.  I'm here on 8/24/2024 and RV park is sold out except 3 pull-through sites.  All tent sites were full.  I don't know about the cabins.

    Cool playground for kids and large mostly gravel dog run.

    Edit added:  AT&T has 5G and three bars.  KOA has wifi but slow slow slow I got 3MPS so instead of KOA wifi I used my iPhone Personal Hotspot that worked great.

    THE BAD (and reason for only 3 stars):

    All gravel roads and sites throughout the park.  Very close together.  Some sites have a very narrow strip of grass.  Some of the picknick tables need to be re-painted.  Unfortunately while eating breakfast you could be 2 feet away from the next RV dumping their sewer.  P.U.  The luxury sites don't have that problem.  They are at the end of each row and only have a neighbor on the drivers side.  I think well worth the extra 17 bucks.

    Not ADA friendly.  Very hard for someone with a walker to get around because of gravel roads/sites.  Someone with a wheel chair near impossible.  Has a nice handicap shower in main office building.  Only problem is that once I take my walker in with me it's very tight and no room to move around.

    Not EV car friendly.  There is a $250 fine and eviction if you plug in your car.  The person at the front desk told me the $250 fine and eviction is because EVs overload the outdated system and cause a fire.  This KOA is an older one and was wired before EVs.    Each individual site has its own 30 amp and 50 amp circuit breaker.

    Some trees but few and far between.  No pool or hot tub.

    Final thoughts:  Make reservations well in advance if you can.  This KOA is the best game in town and is mostly sold out in summer.   I think (sorry I don't know for sure) there is only one other RV park in town and from what I can tell, it is a much older one. I would proceed with caution before I booked it.  Good traveling.  See you on the road.

  • Olivia E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Goose Bay - Dispersed Camping

    Great spot!

    We loved this place! Only downside is it’s a bit far from anything like grocery stores or gas. Plenty of spots to camp - the first loop doesn’t have a pit toilet but the second and third loop do. Most spots had fire pits and tables. We swam in the water and it was nice. Rocky beach. Service was good for us to work remote. We have Verizon and T-Mobile.

  • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Confederate Disperse Camping Area
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Confederate Disperse Camping Area

    Great spot for the night

    Stayed here twice in early August about a week apart. Any car should be able to get down the road to the campsites. A bit buggy but free. Pit toilet available.

  • Joe H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Silos Campground
    Aug. 2, 2024

    Silos Campground

    Bloody awful apocalyptic site

    Maybe one acceptable loop, perhaps mostly for boaters.  But there are 3 other loops: nothing is labeled, so good luck in finding your spot.  The Manager site is not labeled either, and she was of no help.  Dry, hard ground, no trees, nothing that might make a visit enjoyable.  No drinking water; arid, depressing; i kept waiting for the undead to come over the horizon.

    Pretty Lake, though.

  • v
    Camper-submitted photo from Helena North KOA
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Helena North KOA

    Great!

    Only spent one night, but level sites, full hook ups, showers and laundry clean. An area to play games and we didn’t have our dogs this time but the dog zone looked good and clean.

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground

    Great week day but packed on weekend

     A lot of water stations.  The boat dock parking area allowed camping along the perimeter. A few paved walking paths near the beach area.   The narrow paved roads made life interesting. The fish cleaning station is closed due to vandalism.  Our first day was 105F which made the lake more inviting.  Evening low of 76F.  No pets on the fairly small swim beach.  All other water access has large rocks for erosion mitigation.

    Our Saturday departure was delayed by FWP boat inspection at the entrance and a long line was inbound to Holter Lake.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Court Sheriff Campground
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Court Sheriff Campground

    Beautiful and clean campground

    We were passing through and needed a place to camp. We were surprised how well kept and beautiful the campground is! The host was amazing and works really hard to keep the sites in tip top shape. The lake is right against the sites and makes for a beautiful place to stay.

  • Angie A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mid-Canon Fishing Access Site
    Jul. 16, 2024

    Mid-Canon Fishing Access Site

    Excellent find!

    Beautiful spot! Right by the river! We got the last spot down by the river and the pit toilet. $18 for non residents. Bring your own toilet paper, the toilet was not stocked very well. Fire pits and picnic table at each site. Just beautiful views! By far my favorite spot this trip!

  • Peyton P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Confederate Campground
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Confederate Campground

    Beautiful…until you are eaten alive

    Love the spot, not many people, picnic tables/fire pits at each pull through spot. Pit toilet was locked. The mosquitoes were absolutely blood thirsty and aggressive and after multiple reapplications of bug spray we had to call it quits. The fire barely kept them at bay, but we still got a few bites sitting next to the heat.

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hellgate Campground
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Hellgate Campground

    5 star mid week but 2 star weekend

    Quiet and almost empty Wednesday/Thursday but not only full weekend 100am wakeup call from a ski boat with a deafening sound system.[The other side of the lake]  

    The access to the lake was between other campsites but it was too steep for my wife.  Site 61 was a tight squeeze at 33' because of an incline at the rear of 2'.  Excellent sunsets and moonrises with plenty of room between the sites.  No shade at sites but some trees/shrubs on the shoreline.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Thain Creek
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Thain Creek

    Thaine creek campgound

    This is a nice back in the woods campground with spots right on the creek. Our spot was 4 nice table on the creek with lots of sound. A lot if shade. Semi secluded from other campsites. The fire pits are really high so standing up is required for heat. Need chainsaw to gather wood. Lots of birds in the area. Lewis and Clark national forest. Highwood mountains. Lots of potholes drive with care.

  • Gary
    Camper-submitted photo from Spite Hill Fishing Access Site
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Spite Hill Fishing Access Site

    Only 1 campsite

    The prior review is spot on. There is really no good place for a tent. You could park a camper along the parking area near the campsite. As stated prior, it is next to the outhouse, but which was clean and odor-free. You can use waders to fish by the boat landing. The site/boat landing was busy during the day but abandoned except for me in the evening. So, I liked the privacy. According to the interpretive sign, Lewis and Clark had breakfast here in 1805. Kinda cool! And I had breakfast here in 2024: but, I drove. Road noise quiets down when it gets dark but starts up by daybreak.

  • Gary
    Camper-submitted photo from Craig FAS
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Craig FAS

    Convenient and basic

    Couldn't camp as it was full on a Thursday in June. Couldn't find and was told there's no water. Very, very busy landing for fishing boats. The town alongside it (Craig) has a nice restaurant / bar and a brew pub.

  • OThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Prickly Pear Fishing Access Site
    May. 24, 2024

    Prickly Pear Fishing Access Site

    Good for one night

    Agree with the previous reviews. We stayed with our van and the space was ok, although tricky to find a flat surface. Fees still as shown in the previous pictures.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Newlan Creek Reservoir
    May. 12, 2024

    Newlan Creek Reservoir

    Nice gem

    Was able to get a spot right on the water late on a Saturday night. Quiet, fire rings tables and restrooms. Not much to complain about.



Guide to Lewis and Clark National Forest

Camping near Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique charm.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails in the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "This campground was close to Memorial Falls which we wanted to hike the next day."
  • Fishing and Boating: The lakes and rivers around the campgrounds are perfect for fishing and boating. A visitor at Devil's Elbow Campground noted, "Boat launch was easy to use for me to launch my kayak."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Logging Creek shared, "Deer wandered into the campground throughout the night and morning."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. A reviewer at Great Falls KOA said, "The shower+toilet bathroom combo was really nice and super clean."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. One visitor at Hellgate Campground praised, "Chuck the camp host was very attentive and friendly! He was probably the best host we have ever had."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the picturesque settings. A guest at Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground mentioned, "This is a great BLM camping spot right above the reservoir, with all of the sites having a great view."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Black Sandy State Park, have limited facilities. A camper noted, "Only electric hookup. No sewer or water hook up."
  • Crowded Weekends: Popular spots can get busy on weekends. A visitor at Holter Dam Rec. Site Campground mentioned, "Great week day but packed on weekend."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Be cautious with food storage due to wildlife. A camper at Aspen Campground advised, "No bear boxes so put food in vehicles."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Great Falls KOA highlighted, "The park has a decent sized area to walk your dog and has a small off-leash dog park."
  • Safety First: Ensure your campsite is safe for children. One camper at Canyon Ferry Court Sheriff Campground mentioned, "The deer seemed to have a route right next to our site and came out by the water in the evening."
  • Plan for Entertainment: Bring games or activities for downtime. A visitor at Logging Creek suggested, "If you do some research in that area there is a place where there are some caves to explore."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Black Sandy State Park noted, "Most of the sites are really tight to get into with a larger rig."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds lack full hookups. A visitor at Devil's Elbow Campground mentioned, "No electricity or dump station but I knew that beforehand."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at Pelican Point Fishing Access Site advised, "No hookups, great fire pit and picnic tables."

Camping near Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but be sure to plan ahead and know what to expect!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Lewis and Clark National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Lewis and Clark National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 85 campgrounds and RV parks near Lewis and Clark National Forest and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Lewis and Clark National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lewis and Clark National Forest is Great Falls KOA with a 4.4-star rating from 17 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lewis and Clark National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Lewis and Clark National Forest.

  • What parks are near Lewis and Clark National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Lewis and Clark National Forest that allow camping, notably Helena National Forest and Canyon Ferry Lake.